You are here

Three enshrined into WH sports hall

By Chan Davis

OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

WHITE HALL — On the cusp of sending its baseball and softball teams to Fayetteville in an attempt to capture Class 5A state titles, White Hall held its annual Hall of Fame banquet Tuesday evening with Arkansas State University defensive coordinator John Thompson as the keynote speaker.

Three inductees were enshrined into the Hall this year as James “Buddy” Pittillo, Sam Smith and Greg Wooten answered the call in front of a large gathering of Bulldog faithful. Pittillo and Smith were inducted as Distinguished Service Honorees while Wooten entered as Outstanding Athlete.

Pittillo is a 1966 graduate of White Hall, where he lettered three years in football and four years in track.

Smith was a transplant to White Hall after graduating college at Henderson State University. Smith served the school district as head baseball coach, head track coach and assistant baseball coach. He retired from the district in 2011 after 43 years.

Wooten lettered three years in football and basketball, two years in track and one in baseball. He continued his football-playing career at Ouachita Baptist, where he lettered three years and was named an Academic All-American in 1991.

Most Outstanding Senior Athlete awards were also presented. Reid Stewart received the award for most outstanding senior golfer. Stewart was also the recipient of the booster club’s scholarship, which he plans to use at the University of Arkansas. The scholarship is awarded to the senior who demonstrates excellence in academics as well as athletics.

Stewart said he is not sure if he will pursue a spot on the golf team in Fayetteville, though the 1-handicapper has the ability.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Stewart said. “Everyone here is telling me I should go there and walk on but I’m not sure. I am very honored to receive the booster club scholarship. I think it shows that I’ve dedicated myself to the sports programs here and it’s a privilege to receive this recognition.”